The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Committee and the American Cancer Society welcome all those who have been touched by breast cancer.
Regardless of where you are in your breast cancer journey – newly diagnosed, in the midst of treatment or celebrating another year of life – all survivors are welcome, in fact encouraged, to share in the survivor experience. As a survivor, you are our Making Strides Guests of Honor, as you represent the progress made in cancer and the hope for today and the future.
Upon your arrival at Memorial Field, you will be welcomed to “Survivor Place” by trained volunteers who are themselves breast cancer survivors. With sensitivity and understanding, they will assist you with questions or concerns, and guide you through the events of the day.
Because cancer is a family experience, Survivor Place also welcomes all family members – a safe place where comfortable seating, snacks, conversation and support are provided. In turn you will realize a strengthening through the gift of others who have experienced all those feelings of anxiety, fear and the unique challenges of a cancer diagnosis and survivorship. Volunteers with resources about the American Cancer Society’s programs and services are available to assist you and answer your questions.
At Survivor Place, you will have the opportunity to create a bracelet reflecting hope, courage or strength which, along with your personal note of encouragement, will be given to a newly diagnosed patient in the community.
Examples of “One to Another” notes written:
“You will be amazed at the Strength and Courage you have!”
“There is a light and you will find it!” 4-year survivor
“I promise you there will be a time when you’re not afraid all the time. You WILL smile again.”
For those who are returning to the Making Strides event, you will find Survivor Place in a new location this year. As you enter the field, the Survivor Place Tent is located to the left of the stage – where the registration tent used to be. Volunteers and signs will help direct you to the new location.
The survivor procession and photo has been described as the most meaningful event of the day. Survivors are asked to gather outside of Survivor Place at 12:30 p.m. as we prepare for the procession.
Enjoy the support of your fellow cancer survivors as together you walk to the stage in celebration of life and of each other. Smile and cheer with joy as the survivor photo is taken and you celebrate that most precious gift – the gift of another year.
The day of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a meaningful and emotional day for anyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer. For me, it is a time to reflect on this life-changing experience and to enjoy the support and camaraderie of those around me. Please join us and get the survivor experience on an extraordinary day at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Oct. 18.
